SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

pell

verb
Save Word
\ ˈpel \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of pell

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

dialectal, chiefly England : hasten, hurry

transitive verb

obsolete : beat, pelt

pell

noun
\ " \
plural -s

Definition of pell (Entry 2 of 2)

: a roll of parchment specifically : one formerly used in the English Exchequer to record receipts and expenditures appointed … his second brother clerk of the pells — G. O. Trevelyan

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for pell

Verb

Middle English pellen

Noun

Middle English pel skin, roll of parchment, from Middle French, from Latin pellis skin

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pell

Statistics for pell

Cite this Entry

“Pell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pell. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on pell

What made you want to look up pell? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

pivot

Listen to the pronunciation of pivot

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

  • who knew quiz
  • What is a ruelle?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games